“It’s a tough pill to swallow.” Dana Brown, the GM, didn’t even sugarcoat it. The Houston Astros are having a great season with a 50–34 record. But their star player was in Florida working on dry swings. Then, just days before he was supposed to return, something went wrong—and everything paused.

In 2022, he signed a six-year, $115 million deal with the Astros. Earlier this season, he was put on the sidelines after swinging through what was first thought to be a muscle strain in his right hand. A re-scan on May 31 showed that the real problem was a minor fracture in his fourth metacarpal that was already around 60% healed. Then, out of nowhere, agony spoke in his hand again.

It’s Yordan Alvarez, who was all set to mark the return from the 10-day IL against the Dodgers. However, he was shut down again! He reported to West Palm Beach on Sunday and took swings on Monday, but the pain came back on Tuesday. GM Dana Brown came up with an update. He said, “Alvarez will see a specialist in the next 48 hours, after which the Astros hope to know more.” A worrisome situation!

This season, Alvarez played only 29 games, yet he still hit .210/.306/.340, with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs in 121 plate appearances. Those figures are nowhere near the kind of production he usually has as an MVP candidate. His OPS is only .646—a huge drop from his regular slugger-level output. Even if he’s injured and limited, he’s still one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. And the Astros are missing out on it.

A decision will come within 48 hours. Brown also mentioned that surgery is still an option, but he hopes it won’t be necessary. And manager Espada was also hopeful about his return. Espada said, “[Alvarez] is doing everything in his power to get back. He’s staying optimistic and I’m staying optimistic with him.” We have to wait and hope that this hand heals so we can put him back in the lineup.

Brown made it clear that Alvarez’s situation won’t change the Astros’ plans for the trade deadline. The front office is actively looking for a left-handed bat because Victor Caratini is the only regular left-handed hitter available. The need hasn’t gone away, especially since Alvarez’s timing is now unclear.

Astros targeting Orioles’ lefty outfielder amid upcoming deadline

The Astros are still looking for a left-handed bat for the stretch run. Recent discussions have highlighted Cedric Mullins, the Orioles’ center fielder, who is with the team for only one year for $8.7 million. He fits the Astros’ need for a left-handed outfielder perfectly, and they don’t have to commit to him for a long time.

Mullins got off to a good start but has cooled off lately; his OPS dipped to .542 from May to June, when he hit .163/.201/.340. This season, he’s hitting .213/.295/.413, which is around average for the league. But it’s still better than what lefties like Cooper Hummel and Taylor Trammel are doing right now.

He would probably play left field in a platoon, like Ben Gamel or Jason Heyward did last year, giving the team more at-bats without getting in the way of any key players. However, the most important thing is that he can get back to the way he was playing at the beginning of the season.

The price will be quite important, and they might have to give up on potent talents. And the Houston Astros are not the only ones eyeing him. Several clubs, including the Guardians, Mets, and Phillies, are interested. But since the Astros have a division lead and not many lefties, Brown might take the risk. Mullins would fill a glaring need for them and may become the left-handed spark they need to make the playoffs.